Chelsea discard Costa likely to go back to Atletico

London, August 18: Temperamental Chelsea striker Diego Costa is determined to rejoin former side Atletico Madrid despite the La Liga club subject to a transfer ban preventing them from registering players until January.

Costa has not played for Chelsea since the FA Cup final in May, following which he claims manager Antonio Conte sent him a text telling him he was not in his plans for the new season.

The Brazilian-born Spain international, who joined Chelsea from Atletico in 2014, has accused the Premier League club of treating him like a "criminal" and has said he was willing to see out the remaining two years of his deal unpaid in Brazil.

"My destination is already set," Costa was quoted as saying by Brazilian newspaper O Globo. "I must return to Atletico Madrid next season."

The Twitterati is also abuzz with his possible return to Spain.

#Diego #Costa not #Backing down over his wish to swap #Chelsea for #Atletico #Madridhttps://t.co/ixpfriRXA4 pic.twitter.com/QtQFo6gBi6

— sports live (@SportOnLive) August 18, 2017

#Diego #Costa #tells Chelsea: I will NEVER return https://t.co/hD0wq6q4pC pic.twitter.com/kpk2kReZh5

— newsAnglr Sports (@sportsanglr) August 18, 2017

The situation is complicated by the fact that Atletico are currently banned from signing players in this window although a loan deal would be possible. The club have been handed a two-window FIFA transfer ban for signing minors.

"It turns out that there is the impasse that Chelsea does not want to release me," added Costa. "But I believe this situation will be resolved now on my return to Spain."

Earlier, following his outbursts against the club management, Atletico Madrid captain Gabi urged Costa to show Chelsea respect.

Gabi urges Costa to respect Chelsea

There were also rumours that Costa is eyeing a move to Premier League rivals Everton.

Costa is currently in Legarto, Brazil where he is expected to watch the weekend clash between Dragao and Azulao do Mutange in Aracaju.